Patient electrode connectors for electrocardiograph monitoring system

ABSTRACT

An electrode connector adapted for attachment to a biomedical patient electrode by either pinch or snap connection includes a pair of pivotally connected members including a connector body and a jaw pivotally connected to said connector body, with the jaw defining a beveled lower surface that functions to urge the jaw open by engagement of the top surface of an ECG stud thereby allowing the connector to be attached by snap engagement. An electrically conducting plate is disposed at the bottom of the connector to maximize electrical contact with the electrode stud. The jaw member further includes a lip functioning to engage a lower portion of the head of the stud and urge the radially enlarged base of the stud into electrical contact with the bottom surface of said electrically conducting member. An ECG electrode connector in accordance with the present invention may further be fabricated of radiolucent materials.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/694,523, filed on Nov. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,076,791 issuedon Aug. 3, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/025,060, filed on Jul. 2, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,506,937issued Dec. 17, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/987,954, filed on Jan. 5, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,257issued on Jul. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/178,838, filed on Feb. 12, 2014, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,226,680 issued on Jan. 5, 2016, which claims the benefit ofprovisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/763,519, filed on Feb.12, 2013.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electrocardiograph systems,and more particularly to an electrode connector for electricallyconnecting a signal-conducting leadwire from an electrocardiographpatient monitoring system to a biomedical electrode.

2. Description of Related Art

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) system is a common diagnostic toolthat measures and records the electrical activity of the heart. An ECGsystem produces a graphic representation of electrical activity calledan electrocardiograph, which records the electrical voltage in the heartin the form of a continuous strip graph. It is the prime tool in cardiacelectrophysiology, and has a prime function in screening and diagnosisof cardiovascular diseases. Interpretation of these details allowsdiagnosis of a wide range of heart conditions.

The ECG has a wide variety of uses including: (1) determining whetherthe heart is performing normally or suffering from abnormalities; (2)indicating acute or previous damage to heart muscle (heart attack) orischaemia of heart muscle (angina); (3) detecting potassium, calcium,magnesium and other electrolyte disturbances; (4) allowing the detectionof conduction abnormalities (heart blocks and bundle branch blocks); (5)as a screening tool for ischaemic heart disease during an exercisetolerance test; (6) providing information on the physical condition ofthe heart; and (7) providing a tool to diagnose or suggest non-cardiacdisease.

An ECG is constructed by measuring electrical potential between variouspoints of the body using a galvanometer. In the United States, leads I,II and III are measured over the limbs: I is from the right to the leftarm, II is from the right arm to the left leg and III is from the leftarm to the left leg. From this, the imaginary point V is constructed,which is located centrally in the chest above the heart. The other nineleads are derived from potential between this point and the three limbleads (aVR, aVL and aVF) and the six precordial leads (V₁₋₆). Therefore,there may be as many as twelve leads in total.

A typical ECG system relies on electrodes placed on a patient inspecific locations to detect electrical impulses generated by the heartduring each beat. Electrical impulses detected by the electrodes arecommunicated to an ECG monitor via a plurality of leadwires, each ofwhich terminated with an electrically conductive electrode connectorthat is physically connected to one of said electrodes so as to be inelectrical communication therewith. The electric signals generated bythe heart are weak, typically from 0.5 mV to 2.0 mV.

There are two primary ways in which electrode connectors attach to thestuds of biomedical patient electrodes, namely by pinch connection orsnap/press connection. Certain electrode connectors are designed forpinch connection. An example of such an electrode connector is found inU.S. Pat. No. 4,178,052, issued to Ekbom, which discloses an open endedelectrode connector adapted to pinch the stud of a patient electrodebetween a pair of jaws. Open ended connectors, however, are burdenedwith a significant disadvantage, namely a tendency to snare or snagleadwires that happen to come between the opening between the jaws. Whenwires accidently become snagged, the connector and/or the entireconnector and electrode assembly can be unknowingly dislodged from thepatient. In an effort to overcome that disadvantage, “closed end”electrode connectors have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No.4,390,223, issued to Zenkich, discloses a closed end electrodeconnector. Another category of electrode connectors is referred to asthe “snap” connectors. These connectors snap on to the stud of theelectrode by application of a downward pressure. An example of such anelectrode connector is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,591, issued toArcher. It has been found that pinch connectors are preferred in certainhealthcare environments while snap connectors are preferred in otherenvironments. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved electrodeconnector that maximizes the advantages of both snap and pinchconnectors.

Further, conventional ECG electrodes, connectors, and leadwires areoften constructed with metal components that show up clearly on X-raysand other imaging procedures. When those components show-up on X-Raysthey can complicate medical procedures by obscuring vital organs andother anatomical structures. Accordingly, transparency to hospitalimaging systems, such as X-ray or fluoroscopes, is desirable in manymedical procedures so that the patient's body may be X-rayed withoutremoving the flexible leadwires so that the patient's bio-signals may berecorded without interruption.

Although several efforts have been directed towards developingradiolucent ECG components in the past, none of these efforts haveheretofore proven successful. U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,428, issued to Way,discloses a radiolucent electrode that replaces conventional foilbacking with an expanded foil backing formed by a mesh structure ofmetal wires that produce a low enough attenuation of X-irradiation suchthat body structures may be visualized through the backing withoutsignificant degradation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,887, issued to Shigeta etal., discloses an X-ray transparent electrode fabricated with graphite.U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,497, issued to Ilvento et al., discloses aradiolucent electrode connected to otherwise conventional insulatedmetal leadwire. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,860,557 and 7,933,642, each issued toIstvan et al., disclose a radiolucent chest assembly for a wirelessmonitoring system.

A further shortcoming found with electrode connectors relates to poorelectrical contact between the signal conducting stud found on thebiomedical electrode and the conducting element. Most electrodeconnectors include a flat, electrically conducting metal plate thatdefines an opening or aperture which receives the stud of a biomedicalpatient electrode. The poor electrical connection is due to the minimalcontact between the peripheral edge of the aperture with the outersurface of the electrode stud.

Accordingly, there further exists a need for advancements in the fieldof electrode connectors for EKG/ECG systems, including improvedelectrical connections, and improved radiolucent characteristics.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations and disadvantagespresent in the art by providing an improved ECG electrode connectoradapted for attachment to a biomedical patient to electrode by eitherpinch or snap connection. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, aclosed-end electrical connector includes pair of pivotally connectedmembers including a main connector body and a manually actuated leverpivotally connected thereto and biased to a closed configuration. Themain body includes a front end define an aperture or thru-bore extendingcompletely through from top to bottom and functions to received the studof a biomedical electrode therein. The connector includes a bottomsurface defining a recessed portion and an electrically conductive plateis disposed within the recessed portion. The conductive plate defines anopening sized to receive the stud of a biomedical electrode. Positioningan electrically conductive plate within a recesses formed at the bottomof the connector allows the connector to maximize electrical contactwith the electrode stud by placing the generally planar bottom surfaceof the conductive plate in electrical contact with the top, generallyplanar surface of the base of the electrode stud. The manually actuatedlever includes a stud engaging jaw adapted with a beveled lower edgethat functions to urge the jaw open by engagement of the top surface ofan ECG stud thereby allowing the connector to be attached by snapengagement. Various biasing structures are disclosed such that an ECGelectrode connector in accordance with the present invention may furtherbe fabricated of radiolucent materials and/or may be fabricated as adual-function connector capable of attachment to biomedical electrodeshaving tabs as well as studs.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provideadvancements in the field of ECG patient monitoring.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedelectrode connector for establishing electrical communication with anECG biomedical electrode to facilitate the transmission of signals toECG monitoring equipment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a closed-endECG electrode connector for attachment to a patient electrode.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ECG electrodeconnector adapted for connection either by pinch or snap typeconnection.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedelectrical connector having radiolucent characteristics.

In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparenthereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particularreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts two views illustrating an electrode connector inaccordance with the present invention in relation to a biomedicalpatient electrode;

FIG. 2 illustrates a connector in use attached to a biomedical electrodeattached to a patient;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the electrode connector;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are bottom views of the electrode connector illustratingactuation of the movable jaw between a normally closed position and anopen position;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the electrode connector;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view the jaw member;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are sectional views illustrating electrical contactbetween the electrode connector and the stud of a biomedical patientelectrode;

FIG. 10 is a top rear perspective view of an alternate embodimentelectrode connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the spring biased jaw member;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 16 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 17 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the main body of the alternateembodiment connector;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the electrically conductive plate;

FIG. 20 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a second alternate embodimentelectrical connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the main body element;

FIG. 24 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of the spring biased jaw elementthereof;

FIG. 26 is a side view thereof; and

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a conducting element for usetherewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices,methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, andthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to belimiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and otherpublications identified in this specification are incorporated byreference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-27 illustrate preferred andalternate embodiments of an electrical connector, generally referencedas 10, for use with biomedical electrodes of the type commonly used inEKG/ECG monitoring (hereinafter “ECG”). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,the present invention provides an improved, closed-end ECG electrodeconnector 10 which is specifically adapted for attachment to abiomedical patient electrode, generally referenced as 1, by either pinchor snap connection. Biomedical electrode 1 includes an upwardlyprojecting stud, generally referenced as 2, which includes a radiallyenlarged base 3, a neck 4, and a head 5. Electrode connector 10 is inelectrical communication with an elongate flexible, electricallyconducting leadwire 11 that extends therefrom and functions to transmitbiomedical electrical signals to the patient monitoring system.Electrode connector 10 is preferably fabricated from a radiolucentmaterial, such as a suitable plastic or polymer.

FIGS. 3-7 depict a preferred embodiment of an electrode connector,generally referenced as 10, in accordance with the present invention.Electrode connector 10 preferably includes a main connector body 12, anda resiliently-biased, movable lever-actuated jaw member 14 pivotallyconnected thereto by a pivot connection, represented by pivot pin 15.Movable jaw member 14 is preferably resiliently biased to anengaged/closed position as seen in FIG. 5A. Main connector body 12 andjaw member 14 pivot relative to one another about pivot pin 15. A firstsignificant aspect of the present invention involves the front portionhaving a closed-end defining an opening or aperture 16 which extendsfully though the connector, namely from top to bottom. Aperture 16functions to receive the stud 2 of a biomedical patient electrodetherein. Providing an electrode connector with a closed-end avoidspotential snagging of the multiple leadwires thereby preventing snaggedleadwires from causing detachment of patient electrodes and/or electrodeconnectors. Aperture 16 further functions to ease installation byproviding a line of sight through the device that assists the user inaligning the electrode connector with the biomedical electrode stud.

In a preferred embodiment, jaw member 14 is preferably biased to theengaged/closed position as illustrated in FIG. 5A, and may be manuallyactuated to a disengaged/open position as illustrated in FIG. 5B. FIGS.6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of electrode connector 10. Asuitable spring 17, such as a torsion spring, is contained withinconnector 10 to provide a biasing force. Spring 17 has opposing firstand second legs, referenced as 17 a and 17 b, that are connected to orbear against each of main body 12 and jaw member 14 respectively. Whilea coil-type spring 17 is illustrated, the present invention contemplatesany suitable biasing device. In an embodiment wherein electrodeconnector 10 is configured to be radiolucent, spring 17 may befabricated from a radiolucent material, such as silicone, rubber,plastic or other suitable radiolucent resilient material. Moreparticularly, in a contemplated alternate embodiment, a resilient blockof material, such as silicone or other suitable resilient radiolucentmaterial, may be used in lieu of spring 17 to bias jaw member 14 to theclosed position.

Jaw member 14 includes a rear portion 20 defining a lever actuatingstructure and a front portion 22 that forms a jaw defining an interiorconcave surface forming a concavity 24. The concave surface functions toreceive and engage the head and/or neck of an electrode stud. Jaw member14 further defines at least one, and preferably a pair of alignedapertures 23 disposed between the respective front and rear portions forreceiving pivot pin 15. Rear portion 20 defines an exterior concavesurface and functions as finger-receiving actuation structure whereby auser may manually manipulate the lever member between closedconfiguration as illustrated in FIG. 5A, and an open configuration asillustrated in FIG. 5B, using his/her fingers. Front portion 22functions as a movable jaw and includes a concavity 24 that functions inthe closed configuration to secure the stud of a patient electrode inmechanical and electrical engagement as more fully discussed herein. Afurther significant aspect of the present invention involves providingthe front portion 22 with a beveled surface 26 that functions, uponengagement with the head 2 of a biomedical electrode 1 to urge jawmember 14 to the open configuration thereby allowing connector 10 to beaffixed to a patient electrode via “snap” connection. Beveled surface 26terminates within concavity 24 at a radially projecting lip 27. Lip 27functions to engage the lower portion of head 5 upon spring biasedclosure of jaw 14. Lip 27 is positioned so as to engage the stud at thelower portion of head 5 and thus force the stud upward toward plate 30such that face-to-face electrical contact is made between the lowersurface of plate 30 and the upper surface of enlarged base 3 therebysignificantly increasing electrical surface area contact.

An electrical conducting plate 30 is disposed on the bottom of electrodeconnector 10, and is in electrical communication with leadwire 11.Conducting plate 30 preferably comprises a generally planar sheet orplate fabricated from electrically conductive material, and defines astud receiving opening 32. In an embodiment wherein the electrodeconnector is intended to be radiolucent, plate 30 may be fabricated fromradiolucent material, otherwise plate 30 may be fabricated from asuitable electrically conductive metallic material, such as steel orcopper. As noted above, conducting plate 30 is in electricalcommunication with leadwire 11 via a suitable connection. Opening 32 ispreferably generally egg-shaped, namely an irregular oval having a wideend and a narrow end, and sized to receive the stud 2 of a biomedicalpatient electrode 1 inserted therein. The use of such irregularoval-shaped openings is known in the art. A significant advantage isprovided by the placement of conducting plate 30 on connector 10. Moreparticularly, the egg-shaped opening 32 includes a wide end 32 a,disposed substantially adjacent to movable jaw 14, and a narrow end 32b. When the electrode connector 10 is affixed to the stud 2 of a patientbiomedical electrode 1, the stud 2 is first inserted through wide end 32a and urged to the narrow end 32 b by resiliently biased jaw portion 24.Accordingly, wide end 32 a is preferably sized larger than the diameterof head 5 of stud 2, and narrow end 32 b has a diameter that is smallerthan the diameter of head 5 so as to function to prevent the connectorfrom slipping off of the stud when operatively engaged. As should beapparent, the front end jaw portion engages stud 2 and removably securesconnector 10 to biomedical electrode 1.

A further significant aspect of the present invention involves providingan electrode connector adapted to form an improved electrical connectionwith the biomedical electrode. This aspect is most significant inembodiments wherein the entire electrode is fabricated from radiolucentmaterials, particularly including the electrical contact plate thatcontacts the patient electrode as electrical conductivity between aradiolucent contact plate and the patient electrode is less than betweena metal plate and patient electrode. Accordingly, maximizing the surfacecontact area between the radiolucent plate and the patient electrode iscritical to ensuring adequate signal detection and transmission.

Improved electrical contact is achieved by increasing the contactsurface area between conducting plate 30 and the biomedical electrodestud 2 as illustrated in FIG. 8, and FIGS. 9A and 9B. More particularly,conducting plate 30 is disposed on the bottom surface of main connectorbody 12 within a recessed area, referenced as 17 as best illustrated inFIG. 4. The depth of the recess is greater than the thickness ofconducting plate 30 for safety reasons, namely to prevent plate 20 fromcoming into contact with a planar surface supporting electrode conductor10. When electrode connector 10 is operatively connected to thebiomedical electrode 1, however, the radially enlarged base 3 of stud 2projects into the recessed area and into face-to-face contact with thebottom surface of plate 30 thereby significantly increasing theelectrical contact surface area so as to result in improved signaltransmission between the biomedical electrode 1 and electrode connector10. A further advantage realized by mounting conducting plate 30 on thebottom of connector 10, positions the conducting plate very low ascompared with other connectors in the art. This “low” position resultsin the edge of plate 30 defining the opening 32 engaging the neck 4 ofthe electrode stud 2 at a lower position (e.g. closer to radiallyenlarged base 4) wherein the cross-section of the neck is morecylindrical. Ensuring that plate 30 engages the generally cylindricalsurface of the stud maximizes contact surface area between the plate 30and the electrode stud thereby further improving signal detection andtransmission performance.

Yet another significant aspect of the present invention involvesproviding an electrode connector adapted to engage a biomedical patientelectrode by either snap or pinch connection. In accordance with thisaspect of the present invention, jaw 14 includes a beveled lower surface26 along the peripheral edge of concavity 24 that functions, uponcontact with the head 5 of stud 2, to force jaw 14 open such thatelectrode connector 10 may be affixed to the electrode by pressconnection wherein the user merely aligns stud 2 using the line of sightprovided by connector aperture 16 and merely presses electrode connectordownward whereby the beveled surface 26 minimizes the force required tomove jaw 14 b against the spring biasing force so as to enable stud 2 topass thereover. Minimizing the required press-force, is an importantfeature as it prevents patient discomfort.

Alternate Embodiment

FIGS. 10-20 depict an alternate embodiment electrode connector,generally referenced as 100, in accordance with the present invention.Electrode connector 100 includes a main connector body 102, and aresiliently-biased, lever-actuated jaw member 104 pivotally connectedthereto by a pivot connection 105. A first significant aspect of thepresent invention involves the front portion having a closed-end 106defining an opening or aperture 108 which extends fully though theconnector, namely from top to bottom. Aperture 108 functions as analignment aid and to receive the stud 2 of a biomedical patientelectrode 1 therein. As with the previously disclosed embodiment,providing an electrode connector with a closed-end avoids potentialsnagging of the multiple leadwires thereby preventing snagged leadwiresfrom causing detachment of patient electrodes and/or electrodeconnectors. Aperture 108 further functions to ease installation byproviding a line of sight through the device that assists the user inaligning the electrode connector with the biomedical electrode stud.

The alternate embodiment electrode connector 100 includes alever-actuated jaw member 104 which is illustrated in FIGS. 13-18.Lever-actuated jaw member 104 includes a rear portion defining a leveractuator 120 and a front portion that defines a jaw 122. Lever actuator120 may define a concave surface 121 which receives the user's thumbwhen being actuated. Jaw 122 has a lateral side defining a concave notch124 which preferably includes a beveled lower peripheral edge 126. Jaw122 further includes a projecting lip as disclosed above and illustratedin FIG. 8 to urge the electrode stud into electrical contact with theconducting plate. An integrally formed resilient leg 127 projects fromthe rear portion of lever-actuated jaw member 104 and functions to biasjaw 122 to a closed position as more fully discussed below. As should beapparent, however, the resilient leg may alternately be integrallyformed with the main body 102 without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Concave notch 124 functions in the closedconfiguration to secure the stud of a patient electrode in mechanicaland electrical engagement. Lever-actuated jaw member 104 furtherincludes generally cylindrical opposing projecting axels, referenced as128. At least one of said axels defining a beveled surface 129 thatfunctions to allow for rapid snap-in engagement of lever-actuated jawmember 104 with main body 102. Providing jaw member 104 with integrallyformed opposing axles 128 having beveled surfaces 129 greatly simplifiesassembly by allowing jaw member 104 to be easily snapped into engagementwith main body 102.

A significant aspect of the present invention involves providingconnector 100 with an integral biasing system that eliminates therequirement for a separate spring. More particularly, jaw member 104 isbiased to a closed position by angularly inwardly projecting resilientleg 127 which is integrally formed with lever-actuated jaw member 104and which rides within a track 109 on main connector body 102 as bestseen in FIG. 10. FIGS. 14-17 provide a detailed view of lever-actuatedjaw member 104. It is important that resilient leg 127 be integrallyformed with member 104 via flexible section forming an inner radius,referenced as R. The radius may be approximately between 2.0 mm and 4.0mm, and preferably 2.55 mm. By forming a flexible section defining aninner radius R, stress concentration is minimized such that a livinghinge is formed that allows leg 107 to be capable of repeated flexurewithout failure. Using resilient leg 127 as a biasing member furthereliminates the need for a separate spring or other additional biasingstructure. By fabricating main body 102 and jaw 104 form radiolucentmaterial a radiolucent connector having improved gripping force andreliability is achieved over known prior art radiolucent electrodeconnectors.

FIGS. 19 and 20 depict a conducting plate 130 for use in accordance witheither embodiment of the present invention. Conducting plate 130 definesan irregular oval opening, referenced as 132. Opening 132 is preferablygenerally egg-shaped and sized to receive the stud 2 of a biomedicalpatient electrode 1 inserted therein. A significant advantage isprovided by the placement of plate 130, and by the shape of opening 132.More particularly, the egg-shaped opening includes a wide end 132 a anda narrow end 132 b. When the electrode connector 100 is affixed to thestud 2 of a patient biomedical electrode 1, the stud 2 is first insertedthrough wide end 132 a and urged to the narrow end 132 b by resilientlybiased jaw portion 124. Accordingly, wide end 132 a is preferably sizedlarger than the diameter of head 5 of stud 2, and narrow end 132 b has adiameter that is smaller than the diameter of head 5 so as to functionto prevent the connector from slipping off of the stud when operativelyengaged. As should be apparent, jaw portion engages stud 2 and removablysecures connector 100 to biomedical electrode 1.

As with the previously disclosed embodiment, improved electricalconnection with the biomedical electrode is achieved by placement ofplate 130 on the bottom of connector 100. More particularly, conductingplate 130 is disposed on the bottom surface of main connector body 102within a recessed area, referenced as 117. As with the previouslydisclosed embodiment, the depth of the recess 117 is greater than thethickness of conducting plate 130 to prevent plate 130 from coming intocontact with a planar surface supporting electrode conductor 100. Whenelectrode connector 100 is operatively connected to a biomedicalelectrode 1, however, the radially enlarged base 4 of stud 2 projectsinto the recessed area 117 and into face-to-face contact with the bottomsurface of plate 126 thereby significantly increasing the electricalcontact surface area so as to result in improved signal transmissionbetween the biomedical electrode 1 and electrode connector 100. Afurther advantage realized by mounting conducting plate 126 on thebottom of connector 100, positions the conducting plate very low ascompared with other connectors in the art. This “low” position resultsin the plate 130 engaging the neck 4 of the electrode stud 2 at a lowerposition (e.g. closer to radially enlarged base 4) wherein thecross-section of the neck is greater thereby increasing the area ofcontact between the stud and the conducting plate 130.

Second Alternate Embodiment

FIGS. 21-27 depict an electrode connector 200 in accordance with anotheralternate embodiment of the present invention. Electrode connector 200comprises a dual use connector that is capable of attachment to either astud-type biomedical electrode as discussed herein above, and also to atab-type biomedical electrode that requires connection to a generallyflat tab incorporated therewith. Electrode connector 200 includes a mainconnector body 202, and a resiliently-biased, cam-actuated jaw member204 pivotally connected thereto.

As with the previously disclosed embodiments, a first significant aspectof the present invention involves the front portion having a closed-end206 defining an opening or aperture 208 which extends fully though theconnector, namely from top to bottom. Aperture 208 functions as analignment aid and to receive the stud 2 of a biomedical patientelectrode 1 therein when connector 200 is used with a stud-typeelectrode. Aperture 208 further functions to ease installation byproviding a line of sight through the device that assists the user inaligning the electrode connector with the biomedical electrode stud. Aswith the previously disclosed embodiment, providing an electrodeconnector with a closed-end avoids potential snagging of the multipleleadwires thereby preventing snagged leadwires from causing detachmentof patient electrodes and/or electrode connectors.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, jaw member 204 is actuated bycompression of opposing, resilient arms 203 disposed on main connectorbody 202. Each resilient arm 203 includes an inwardly projectinginclined ramp 205, that functions as a cam to actuate jaw member 204 asmore fully discussed below. Main body 202 includes a pair of posts,referenced as 207, each of which includes an inwardly projecting,generally cylindrical axel 208. Each axel 208 includes a beveled uppersurface 210. Beveled surfaces 210 allow for snap-fit engagement ofcam-actuated jaw member 204 to main body 202 thereby significantlysimplifying assembly. More particularly, as best illustrated in FIG. 24,jaw member 204 defines a pair of axel receiving apertures 212. Jawmember 204 is joined with main body 202 by application of downward forcewhereby beveled surfaces 210 cause posts 207 to resiliently spread apartuntil axels 208 snap into corresponding receiving apertures 212 formedon cam actuated jaw member 204. Jaw member further includes a pair ofresilient legs 214 attached to jaw member by a radiused connection 216.As noted above, providing a radiused connection 216 forming an acuteangle is important in ensuring that the connection does not fail.Resilient legs 214 function to bias jaw 204 to a closed position. Theuser manually actuates jaw 204 to an open position by squeezingresilient arms 203 inward whereby inclined ramps 205 engage a lower edgeportion 218 of jaw member 204 and urge the front portion thereof upwardby cam action. As jaw 204 opens, resilient legs 214 become spring loadedsuch that legs 214 urge jaw 204 to a closed position when the userceases to apply compressive pressure to arms 203.

FIG. 27 depicts a conducting plate 220 for use in accordance with eitherembodiment of the present invention. Conducting plate 220 defines anirregular oval opening, referenced as 222. Opening 222 is preferablygenerally egg-shaped and sized to receive the stud 2 of a biomedicalpatient electrode 1 inserted therein. A significant advantage isprovided by the placement of plate 220, and by the shape of opening 222.More particularly, egg-shaped opening 222 includes a wide end 222 a anda narrow end 222 b. When the electrode connector 200 is affixed to thestud 2 of a patient biomedical electrode 1, the stud 2 is first insertedthrough wide end 222 a and urged to the narrow end 222 b by a suitablebiasing structure. Accordingly, wide end 222 a is preferably sizedlarger than the diameter of head 5 of stud 2, and narrow end 228 b has adiameter that is smaller than the diameter of head 5 so as to functionto prevent the connector from slipping off of the stud when operativelyengaged.

Another significant aspect of this second embodiment, involves providingan electrode connector 200 that is further adapted for dual use, namelyfor use with both stud-type biomedical electrodes and tab-typebiomedical electrodes. In accordance with this aspect of the presentinvention, and as best illustrated in FIG. 22, the front end 206 ofelectrode connector 200 defines a slot 211 adapted to receive the tab oftab-type biomedical electrode. Main body 202 further includes adownwardly sloped surface 209 that functions to allow the front end ofconnector 200 to slip underneath an electrode tab. Once the tab isinserted within slot 211, the front end 206 of jaw member 204 pinchesdown securing the tab in sandwiched relation between the front ends ofmain body 202 and jaw member 204 in a configuration wherein the tab isin contact with the front end of conducting plate 220.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what isconsidered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It isrecognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within thescope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to aperson skilled in the art.

What I claim is:
 1. An electrode connector for establishing electricalconnection with a biomedical patient electrode having a stud projectingupward form a top surface thereof, the stud including a radiallyenlarged base, a neck, and a head, said connector comprising: aconnector body having a jaw member pivotally connected to said mainbody; said connector body and jaw member configurable between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration; said connector body and saidjaw member biased to the closed configuration; said jaw member defininga beveled bottom edge, said beveled bottom edge functioning, uponengagement with the head of an electrode stud, to urge said jaw membertoward said open configuration thereby allowing for snap attachment ofthe connector to the stud; and an electrically conducting memberdisposed in electrically conducting contact with a portion of the studupon attachment of said connector to the stud.
 2. The electrodeconnector according to claim 1, wherein said jaw member further definesa projecting lip disposed above said beveled bottom edge.
 3. Theelectrode connector according to claim 1, wherein said connector body,said jaw member, and said electrically conducting member are eachradiolucent.
 4. An electrode connector for establishing electricalconnection with a biomedical patient electrode having a stud projectingupward form a top surface thereof, the stud including a radiallyenlarged base, a neck, and a head, said connector comprising: aconnector body having a jaw member pivotally connected to said mainbody; said connector body and jaw member configurable between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration; said connector body and saidjaw member biased to the closed configuration; said connector body andsaid jaw member defining an first opening for receiving and capturingthe stud of a patient electrode when in the closed configuration; anelectrically conducting member affixed to said connector body, saidmember defining a second opening, said second opening in generalalignment with said first opening; said jaw member defining a beveledbottom edge, said beveled bottom edge functioning, upon engagement withthe head of an electrode stud, to urge said jaw member toward said openconfiguration thereby allowing for snap attachment of the connector tothe stud.
 5. The electrode connector according to claim 4, wherein saidconnector body, said jaw member, and said electrically conducting memberare each radiolucent.
 6. The electrode connector according to claim 4,wherein said electrically conducting member defines a bottom surface andan opening, said lip functioning to engage a lower portion of the headof the stud and urge the radially enlarged base of the stud intoelectrical contact with the bottom surface of said electricallyconducting member.